Parks, David (5th Grade)

David Parks

Welcome Message

Welcome parents to the 2015-2016 school year!!! I look forward to working with you and your child this year. I pray we have a successful year. I know we will be able to accomplish this goal if we work together as a family.

About the Teacher

My name is David Parks. I am the fifth grade math, science, and social studies teacher at Luther Branson Elementary School. I am currently going into my eighteenth year of teaching. I taught fourth grade my first year, third grade my second year, and fifth grade th rest of my professional career. I believe in a child getting a strong academic education and that every child can succeed if he/she has the passion to do so.

The following information will be sent home at the beginning of the year:

Mr. Parks – Math, Science and Social Studies

GRADING:

Test grades count 60% and daily grades count 40%. Their tests are very important, and they need to study for these most diligently.

A.MATH: The students will have homework in math every night whether it is studying or completing an assignment on paper. The homework will correlate to the quizzes and tests they will be taking in class. I encourage you to look over their work to make sure they stay on task. We are incorporating a math program this year called envision MATH which centers on common core. The students will be keeping a green math notebook, and they will have a section in their binder that will contain additional math notes and homework. It is very important they use these items to help them study for assessments. The students must master each concept presented in the classroom in order to heighten their success. Not only will the students have regular quizzes and tests, but there will also be pop quizzes and tests to make sure they really have mastered the objectives that have been taught. It is also very crucial they know the mathematical terms given at the beginning of each lesson, if applicable, to help them understand the concept I am teaching.Finally, I have found over the years that some students are very rusty on their basic facts (addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division) and basic conversions. This makes their assignments whether it is class work or homework more difficult. Please work with your child one-on-one to master these areas. In order for your child to receive a math certificate at the end of the year, he/she must have an 85 each nine week.

B.SCIENCE: Your child will be given a heavy dose of science notes this year unlike previous years. It will be very intense because there is a bundle of material to cover and will be the first time they will be tested on their knowledge of science concepts. As we discuss each objective, the students will be given daily quizzes on the notes presented in class to ensure their understanding of the objective being taught at that time before the test, which means they need to study every night and complete any written assignment given to them. The students will be responsible for organizing their science notes. They will use a section of their binder designated only for science. There will be pop tests throughout the year to make sure they really have mastered each objective. The children will also participate in science activities which will consist of creative activities on their part. This will also help them learn. In order for your child to receive a science certificate at the end of the year, he/she must have an 85 each nine week.

C.SOCIAL STUDIES: The students will spend a majority of their time developing theircomprehension skills by reading different passages pertaining to significant historical events, such as, current and previous presidents, major wars, black history leaders, etc. and then answer the questions following the assigned passages. A majority of the passages will come from www.edhelper.com. There is NO social studies certificate at the end of the year.

Please feel free to contact me at school if you have a question or would like to discuss something with me. All conferences will be held with both teachers.

Please know that I have the best interest of your child and his/her education. If you have any questions/concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact me. I will be glad to discuss any situation with you. I firmly believe that ALL children can learn with patience, love, and understanding. I have high expectations for all our students, and I will continue to persist until those expectations are met.

I ENCOURAGE YOU TO TAKE AN ACTIVE PART IN YOUR CHILD’S EDUCATION. AS TEACHERS, I CANNOT ALWAYS DO THIS JOB ALONE. YOUR CHILD NEEDS TO KNOW THAT YOU PLACE A HIGH VALUE ON HIS/HER EDUCATION AS WELL. YOUR CHILD WILL NOT DO HIS/HER BEST IF HE/SHE THINKS YOU DO NOT CARE ABOUT WHAT THEY DO. KEEP IN MIND, WITH GOD AND YOUR HELP, I CAN HELP OUR CHILDREN TO BECOME PROPEROUS IN LIFE. THANK YOU IN ADVANCE FOR YOUR SUPPORT AND YOUR COOPERATION. HAVE A BLESSED AND GREAT YEAR!!!

Fifth Grade Expectations

1.Pay attention at all times.

2.Keep hands, feet, and objects to yourself.

3.Always raise your hand to talk.

4.Complete all assignments in a timely manner.

5.Be prepared for class by having paper, pencil, book, and homework.

6.Stay in your seat unless you have permission to move around the room.

7.Speak with respect to all adults and each other.

8.Follow all school-wide rules.

Consequences:

1.Verbal warning

2.No talking at lunch

3.Writing classroom notes to lessons in which they are struggling (This is not the same as writing lines.)